The Sixties: Episode Guide

Fifty years on and the allure of the 1960s is as strong as ever, with the decade’s incredible news events, politics, civil rights struggles, fashions, music and film still as important as ever. Get to know more about each episode with our guide.

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Episode 1 - The World On the Brink

A look back at the tense political situations that arose in the 60s, from the Cuban missile crisis to the Bay of Pigs Invasion.

Episode 2 - The Assassination Of President Kennedy

The Warren Report, the only official investigation of the assassination of President Kennedy, had engendered controversy since its release in 1964. This episode explores the key conclusions of the controversial Warren Commission, as well as the shocking impact of the assassination upon the nation, and upon American politics.

Episode 3 - The war in Vietnam

Vietnam changed America in ways that reverberate even today. This turbulent time began with Lyndon Johnson taking office, the Tonkin Gulf incident and consequent resolution, the introduction of ground forces, the beginning of the bombing of North Vietnam, the Fulbright hearings and the initial opposition to the war. This episode goes on to cover the escalation of bombing in North Vietnam, the siege of Khe Sahn, the growth of domestic opposition, the Tet offensive, the beginning of the Paris Peace talks and the end of Lyndon Johnson’s presidency.

Episode 4 - The British Invasion

In early 1964 Ed Sullivan uttered four simple words, “Ladies and gentlemen, The Beatles.” Nothing would be the same again. The British Invasion looks at how American culture and social mores were forever altered by the lads from Liverpool and their British and American musical counterparts.

Episode 5 - The Times Are A-Changin’

The Sixties were the genesis of many of the social and political currents that dominate today’s headlines. This episode explores the beginnings of the women’s, environmental, conservative and gay movements. Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan, Barry Goldwater, the Stonewall riots and the emergence of Students for a Democratic Society and ‘The New Left’ are examined.

Episode 6 - The Space Race

The 1960's was one of the most revolutionary periods for technological advances. This decade witnessed the invention of the first laser, video game and commercial satellite; computers shrank from the size of an entire room to the size of a TV; numerous advances in medicine; and it all culminated when Neil Armstrong touched down on the moon on 20th July 1969.

Episode 7 - Television Comes Of Age

Television came of age in the 1960's and became the dominant factor in American culture. When Americans wanted to be entertained, informed or just follow their favourite sport, they turned on the tube. Whether the fare was highbrow or low, individuals spent more time watching television than any other waking activity. This episode looks back at the sitcoms, dramas, news programmes and sporting events that shaped and reflected who Americans were as a nation.

Episode 8 - Sex, Drugs And Rock & Roll

The Western world became a youth-oriented culture and society in the 1960s. Everything from music, movies and fashion to morals, manners and customers were both geared to and increasingly influenced by the nations young. This episode explores how America travelled from partying at the beach with Frankie and Annette to dropping acid in the Haight.

Episode 9 - A Monumental Year

The assassination of Dr Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy, the democratic convention in Chicago, the candidacy of George Wallace and the election of President Richard Nixon are just some of the events portrayed in one of the most dramatic years in American History, 1968.

Episode 10 - A Long March To Freedom

The moral mission of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s is re-examined in this episode by eyewitnesses at the forefront of history. Describing their experiences during the Movement are SNCC co-founders and former student activists Diane Nash, US Rep. John Lewis, and US Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton. Rev. James Lawson, Rev. C.T. Vivian, and Bob Moses also discuss first-hand accounts of the lunch counter sit-ins, Freedom Rides, the state university integration efforts, and more, all led by the Children’s Crusade in Birmingham.